Technological applications of trapped positrons

Abstract

Low-energy positron beams are extensively employed in various areas of science and technology such as surface analysis, atomic physics, plasma physics and mass spectrometry. Recent advances in positron trapping and in manipulating nonneutral plasmas present the opportunity for creating a new generation of bright, ultracold positron beams with parameters that far exceed those currently available. Current applications of low-energy positron beams are described, and the potential for the development of advanced trap-based positron beams is discussed.